Our dog, Emmitt, died tonight. We are going to miss him so much. He was a very good dog.
My college roommate, Dina, and I got Emmitt from a pet store in Lubbock, Tx in 1995. Not long after, if I remember correctly, the dog was given to Brian because Dina's parents were not happy about having a dog in the house we were renting from them. After college, Brian joined the U.S.M.C., and while he was away, Fran and Charlie took care of the "E-Man." He was quite spoiled living with them, often getting eggs for breakfast! But he loved it! In 2000 when Brian and I were married, Emmitt came to live with us.
Emmitt was a good natured dog, who didn't jump up on people, didn't do a lot of licking, you could say he was polite. He did do some barking - especially when people came to our door or walked to close to the fence, but that was security, so I didn't mind. In fact, he was my protector when Brian was gone. Although he was a sweet dog, he had a mean bark that often scared even grown men.
Emmitt broke many fence pickets in his day. He hated thunder and fireworks, so if ever he was caught outside and heard those things, he would break out. Brian called him "Blackdini" because sometimes his escapes were magical! We are lucky he was never killed while out on his excursions. He always got back home, sometimes a little injured, but always home where he belonged.
He was there for the birth of both of our children. Mason and Maya adored him. Just tonight while Maya was eating her dinner Emmitt came near her and she said "I love Emmitt!" Grandmother and Pops had been at the house and Emmitt played with them. Mason loved on him, too. I had taken the kids upstairs for bath and had the water running when I heard what sounded like a scream. A moment later, I thought I heard Emmitt howl, so I ran downstairs to see what was the matter. Many thoughts crossed my mind, like maybe he was howling because he heard sirens, or the thunder, or maybe he had gotten his head stuck in Maya's highchair where he eats crums everynight... but I found him laying on the tile, not moving. I tried to wake him, but he was not breathing... I became hysterical and Mason came down.
My college roommate, Dina, and I got Emmitt from a pet store in Lubbock, Tx in 1995. Not long after, if I remember correctly, the dog was given to Brian because Dina's parents were not happy about having a dog in the house we were renting from them. After college, Brian joined the U.S.M.C., and while he was away, Fran and Charlie took care of the "E-Man." He was quite spoiled living with them, often getting eggs for breakfast! But he loved it! In 2000 when Brian and I were married, Emmitt came to live with us.
Emmitt was a good natured dog, who didn't jump up on people, didn't do a lot of licking, you could say he was polite. He did do some barking - especially when people came to our door or walked to close to the fence, but that was security, so I didn't mind. In fact, he was my protector when Brian was gone. Although he was a sweet dog, he had a mean bark that often scared even grown men.
Emmitt broke many fence pickets in his day. He hated thunder and fireworks, so if ever he was caught outside and heard those things, he would break out. Brian called him "Blackdini" because sometimes his escapes were magical! We are lucky he was never killed while out on his excursions. He always got back home, sometimes a little injured, but always home where he belonged.
He was there for the birth of both of our children. Mason and Maya adored him. Just tonight while Maya was eating her dinner Emmitt came near her and she said "I love Emmitt!" Grandmother and Pops had been at the house and Emmitt played with them. Mason loved on him, too. I had taken the kids upstairs for bath and had the water running when I heard what sounded like a scream. A moment later, I thought I heard Emmitt howl, so I ran downstairs to see what was the matter. Many thoughts crossed my mind, like maybe he was howling because he heard sirens, or the thunder, or maybe he had gotten his head stuck in Maya's highchair where he eats crums everynight... but I found him laying on the tile, not moving. I tried to wake him, but he was not breathing... I became hysterical and Mason came down.
Mason asked a lot of questions, "is he dead," "are you going to call the doctor," "can you fix him," ... I just cried and cried. He hugged me, patted my back and said "it's okay Momma," "try to be brave," "calm down," "try to stop crying, okay?" He can't know how much his little 4 year old words meant to me. In the midst of all of this I called my in-laws to come back and I called my parents to come over.
Emmitt had a good long life, and we are surely going to miss him.
5 comments:
We are very sad about Emmitt.
He always reminded me of Georg Rodrigue's Blue Dog. He had such expressive eyes.
I am so sorry!
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him as a wild puppy, always escaping the yard and trying to hook up with other chick labs. We'd drive around looking for him, only to find him galloping happily toward us with a big grin on his face. He was a cool dog! Hugs to you all.
You guys are in our prayers. I know that is such a loss for your family.
Chrys
I am so, so sad. Thanks for giving Emmitt such a loving home.
Amy, I am so sorry for your family's loss, Scott and I lost our little dog last year when I was 8 months pregnant. I had her for nearly 13 years. Someone shared a wonderful website with me and I want to share it with you...go get a box of kleenex...
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm
Alisha
Post a Comment